Return from Winter Break OTC(Over The Counter) Testing Guidance
Recommendation of when to use COVID-19 tests over winter break:
- If you feel sick, test. Test again 1-2 days later if the first test is negative
- If you were exposed, test when you find out and repeat every 2 days for a total of 3 tests
- For return to school, test the night before (or morning of) return AND repeat 2 days later
You can use any at-home test. Bring your MediCal or Medicare card to a pharmacy to ask for free tests, or check with your insurance plan for up to 8 free (or reimbursed) at-home tests a month.
Positive test?
- Stay home from school, follow isolation guidance, let your school know
- Ages 12-49 with medical conditions, or older than 50? Ask about treatment! FREE medications for COVID-19 are safe and highly effective at preventing serious illness, and help you test negative sooner.
- Find ways to get treatment at https://covid19.ca.gov/
treatment
Negative test but COVID-19 symptoms?
- Stay home from school until you feel better and at least 24 hours after fever is gone
- Re-check with a repeat COVID-19 test in 1-2 days.
Reporting at-home test results:
Reporting at-home test results is not required, but can be a useful tool for schools to track positive tests. People who report a positive test can also get home-care information and access to COVID-19 treatment.
People can easily record At-Home test results and share with the school using the Primary Health Pass app! To enroll your school, complete this form: https://app.smartsheet.
· Downloading and Using the Primary.Health App Video
· Primary Health Pass Folder: A folder containing printable flyers with download instruction as well as FAQs
· Primary Health Pass App: Operational Playbook
· Primary Embedded Dashboard Video: A video walkthrough on how a school can access results
You can distribute a flyer to spread the news, and Primary.Health can send custom communications encouraging participants to download the app. Submit via this request form: https://tinyurl.com/ph-cdph-
OTC/at-home Testing Resources:
At-home Testing template flyers and other communication materials can be found in multiple languages here: https://drive.google.com/
Safely Opening Schools (SOS) has also created some valuable OTC/at-home testing materials to share with staff and families: http://tiny.cc/sosdrive
The CDPH Testing After School Break Toolkit has social media and factsheets in English and Spanish to encourage return from break testing.
For additional questions regarding OTC/at-home tests, please contact: [email protected]
